Base control module for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A base control module for vehicles comprises, a controller which includes a housing, a programmable processor, on-board memory, and a plurality of inputs and outputs. The module also comprises, a set of pluggable module interfaces each comprising a standardized connector for any of a plurality of interchangeable pluggable modules, with each pluggable module having a different functionality, and each connector having a plurality of pins. A standardized communication protocol is provided between the base control module and any of the pluggable modules. Adaptable software on the base control module that can assign different configurations for the pins of the connector dependent upon the functionality of the pluggable module for those pins. The same base control module and set of pluggable module interfaces can be used for different pluggable modules.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application U.S. Ser.No. 62/467,610 filed Mar. 6, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to enhanced security and functionality forvehicles. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present inventionrelates to vehicle security systems in a door handle assembly withconfigurable remote passive keyless entry features and interchangeablemodules and base controller interfaces for interchangeable or pluggablemodules for different functionalities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of control modules are used with agricultural andconstruction machinery, military equipment, heavy trucks and othervehicles. Traditionally these modules are assigned for specific purposesto control predetermined functions.

However, there continues to be a need in the industry for improvedcontrol modules that provide plug-in hardware and software customizationto provide additional functionality. Included in this additionalfunctionality are features for “hands free” passive keyless entry (PKE),vehicle/equipment starting, as well as security and othervehicle/equipment functions.

Therefore, what is needed is an electronic access system and vehicularsecurity system which is particularly well-suited for non-automotivevehicles, is adaptable and configurable for use in a variety ofdifferent vehicle applications and provides security in a way that isconvenient to the original equipment manufacturer, vehicle integratorsand end-user operators.

Thus, control modules are needed which can be configured with differentfunctionality with adjustments to hardware or software, wherein thesoftware is adjusted with flashable memory to define different inputsand outputs, thus expanding their functionality. Likewise, “plug-in”swappable hardware is needed which adds enhanced functionality via it'sdedicated architecture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the presentinvention to improve upon the state of the art.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is theprovision of a keyless access system for a vehicle, and a method ofoperating the keyless access system.

An improved door handle assembly is provided for vehicles and comprisesa base controller which includes a housing, a programmable processor,on-board memory, and a plurality of inputs and outputs. The controlleralso comprises a set of pluggable module interfaces each comprising astandardized connector for any of a plurality of interchangeablepluggable modules. With each pluggable module having a differentfunctionality, and each connector having a plurality of pins, theassembly uses a standardized communication protocol between the basecontroller and any of the pluggable modules. The base controller hasadaptable software that can assign different configurations for the pinsof the connector depending upon the functionality of the pluggablemodule for those pins. The controller further comprising, so the samebase controller and set of pluggable module interfaces can utilizedifferent pluggable modules simultaneously.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present inventionis to provide an improved vehicle entry system wherein the vehicle is anon-road vehicle or off-road vehicle.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system whereinthe base controller comprises an intelligent controller that implementslogic and basic I/O interfaces.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system whereinthe basic I/O interfaces comprise one or more keypad interfaces tosupport legacy keypads and a pluggable proximity interface for proximitysensing.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system furthercomprising one or more of an LF antenna management component and aPKE/immobilizer transponder.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system whereinthe pluggable module interface comprises I/O lines that function withSPI or UART protocol. All pins are made common and the interfaceprotocol is made common.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system whereinthe pluggable module comprises board to board connectors, and theconnectors being rated for multiple insertions and removals.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system whereinthe board to board connectors comprise a MX34R or similar.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide an improved base controller for a vehicle entry system incombination with one or more pluggable modules.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a controller assembly for a vehicle entry system wherein thepluggable modules are selected from PKE, RKE, NFC, Bluetooth, fobmanagement, or GSM/GPS.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is avehicle entry system for highly adaptable functionality with a basecontroller operatively installed in a vehicle, wherein the controllercomprises, a base controller having a programmable intelligentcontroller and controller logic, a plurality of basic I/O interfaces,and at least one pluggable module interface. The pluggable moduleinterface comprises, a standardized connector with a plurality of pins.At least one pluggable module having a functionality is provided, withboard-to-board connectors rated for multiple insertions and removals. Astandardized protocol provides communication between the base controllerand the pluggable module.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a vehicle entry system wherein the vehicle may be an on-roadvehicle or off-road vehicle.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a vehicle entry system wherein the functionality of thepluggable module comprises one of a PKE, RKE, NFC, Bluetooth, fobmanagement, or GSM/GPS.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a vehicle entry system further comprising a plurality ofpluggable module interfaces on the base controller.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a vehicle entry system wherein each of the plurality ofpluggable module interfaces is adaptable by programming to interfacewith a variety of pluggable modules.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is amethod of operating the vehicle entry system an on-road or off-roadvehicle comprising, operatively installing a base controller in thevehicle. One method includes adding a plurality of pluggable moduleinterfaces to the base controller, with each pluggable module interfacebeing adaptable to receive an interchangeable pluggable module havingone or a variety of functionalities.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a method of operating the vehicle entry system wherein pluggablemodule interfaces have a plurality of pins in a connector, and the pinscomprise I/O lines that function with SPI or UART protocol. All pins aremade common and the interface protocol is made common.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a method of operating a vehicle entry system wherein the I/Olines function with SPI or UART protocol.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a method of operating a vehicle entry system wherein thepluggable modules comprise board-to-board connectors.

Another object, feature or advantage of the present invention is toprovide a method of operating a vehicle entry system wherein thepluggable modules support PKE, RKE, NFC, Bluetooth, fob management, orGSM/GPS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of an example of a vehicle equippedwith the door handle control module of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the basecontrol module for the vehicle entry system controller of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the basecontrol module and pluggable modules.

FIG. 3B is connector and interface legend of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the pluggablemodule interface (PMI).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the basecontrol module operational flow.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the basecontroller firmware architecture.

FIG. 7A-B is a block diagram illustrating PKE for access andimmobilization control overview.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating system design considerations.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment a multi-channelpassive entry system key fob.

FIG. 10A-B is a block diagram illustrating PKE foblocalization/immobilizer function.

FIG. 11 is a detailed PCB of the base control module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a handle assembly with a keylessaccess system for a vehicle door. Although the term “keyless entry”system is more commonly used, the term “keyless access” system is usedherein because the present invention provides for vehicle functionsbeyond merely entry into the vehicle.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a non-automotive vehicle 10. Althougha particular non-automotive vehicle 10 is shown, the present inventioncontemplates numerous types of non-automotive vehicles may be used. Thepresent invention can be used in numerous applications, includingvehicles such as semi-truck tractors, ambulances, constructionequipment, military, and other types of vehicles. These vehicles may beon-road, off-road or both.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of thebase control module (BCM) 12 internal components of the presentinvention. These components are aligned to the basic functionality of apassive keyless entry/start/security system. The BCM 12 implementsvehicle controller logic and accepts basic/complex I/O interfaces alongwith a plurality of connectors 28A-D for pluggable modules. Thepluggable module connectors (PMC) 28A-D utilize a standard MX34R orsimilar connector. A controller 13 is a microcontroller with memory andloaded software. This software can be altered with various techniques,either at the manufacturer of the electronics, the installer such as,systems integrator/OEM of the electronics, or at the end customerlocation via a connected service/programming tool. A low frequency (LF)antennae management device 20 manages communication between thecontroller 13 and a low frequency (LF) antennae 22. A relay connector 26provides relay(s) 24 output to control connected devices, such asmotors, solenoids, lighting, etc. A level translator 32 converts keypadinputs for communication with the controller 13.

Basic I/O interfaces utilized by the BCM 12 include the following:passive keyless entry (PKE)/immobilizer transponder 14, a ControllerArea Network (CAN) 16, low current outputs, pluggable module connectors28A-D utilizing either a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter(UART) device or serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus which allow forassignable I/O, a proximity sensor interface, and keypad interface.

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of the base controller module 12with peripheral components of the module. These elements provide theareas of pluggable hardware adaptations and connectivity of the systemto other devices of the vehicle/equipment. A keypad 46 interfaces withthe keypad connector 34 to support legacy keypad products. A proximitysensor 44 interfaces with the proximity sensor connector 30 forcapacitive or switch-based proximity sensing. Pluggable modules mayinclude remote keyless entry (RKE) 42, near field communication (NFC)40, Bluetooth 38, Wi-Fi (not shown), etc., for added functionality. LFAntennae management 22 which is required for a passive entry/passivekeyless pushbutton start system is implemented on the base controller.IMM Xpnder (PKE/Immobilizer Transponder) functions which are requiredfor access and immobilization are also implemented on the basecontroller through interface 14. A proximity sensor 36 for wake up isalso implemented. FIG. 3B illustrates a connector and interface legend88 for reference.

FIG. 4 illustrates an interconnect I/O between the base controllermodule (BCM) 12 and the pluggable module interface (PMI). A modulepresence input line 48 indicates whether a module is present or not. Amodule selects output line 50 allows the base controller module (BCM) 12to select a module for communication, e.g. SPI. A module alert inputline 52 is an interrupt line from the pluggable module to the basecontroller for requesting attention. Primarily, this is an interruptline that wakes up the base controller. SPI/UART pins line 54 allowsbi-directional communication with the pluggable module. Depending onrequirements, not all pluggable modules need to be smart and requireSPI/UART communications. Additional I/O pins can be used to supportsimple functions. Module capability can be indicated on one of the pinsor can be configured on the base module as part of factory setup.Additional I/O pins line 56 allow for this functionality.

The pluggable modules (PM) will implement user interface technologiessuch as RKE, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and fob management will beimplemented via these pluggable modules. The pluggable modules can alsobe used to extend functionality in the future. GSM/GPS modules can beincorporated in addition to RKE for remote connectivity, driver behaviormonitoring, firmware upgrades, etc. The pluggable modules will haveboard to board connectors such as MX34R or similar connectors. Thepluggable modules are expected to be inserted into the system once andvery infrequently replaced. Therefore, the connectors are typicallyrated for 50 plus insertions and removals. The basic protocol betweenthe pluggable module and the base controller will be standardized. Thus,all pins will be made common and the software interface protocol will becommon.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the basecontrol module operational flow: Step 1, the base controller module 12enumerates the pluggable modules 38, 40, 42, or 43 either on startup orwhen they are inserted into the controller module 12. Step 2, thecontroller module 12 then goes to sleep waiting for some activity fromany of the pluggable modules 38, 40, 42, or 43. Step 3, on alert from apluggable module, the base control module BCM 12 wakes up, performsrequired tasks, and then goes back to sleep. The pluggable modules areexpected to be asleep most of the time waiting for a trigger from auser. The pluggable modules 38, 40, 42, or 43 will implement basicinteractions before alerting the base control module 12 for operations,for example, if or when RKE 42 presents credentials to fob 98, RKE 42can perform operations before alerting the base control module 12. Thebase control module 12 will perform any handoff from one module toanother, for example, if NFC 40 is used for proximity detection and thenBluetooth 38 for authentication, the handoff between the NFC module 40and the BT module 38 will be handled by the base control module 12.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the basecontroller firmware architecture 58. The firmware architecture 58 isassigned to an application 60. An access API 62 utilizes a set ofclearly defined methods of communication between keypad drivers 64, RKEdrivers 66 and application 60. A PS API 68 utilizes a set of clearlydefined methods of communication between an IMM driver 70, alocalization driver 72 and the application 60. An I/O API 74 utilizes aset of clearly defined methods of communication between a relay driver76, I/O drivers 78 and application 60. A communication (CAN) stack 80utilizes a set of clearly defined methods of communication between CANdrivers 82 and the application 60.

FIG. 7A-B is a block diagram illustrating PKE for access andimmobilization control overview and theory of operation. A vehicle 90has components (FIG. 7A), comprising a proximity sensor 44, a 2-way LFfor immobilizer functions 14, a UHF receiver 92, a UHF transmitter 94,and a 3D LF initiator 96, which all interface with the controller 13. Afob 98 has components (FIG. 7B), comprising a UHF transmitter 100, a UHFreceiver 102, a 3D LF receiver 106, and an immobilizer transponder 108which all interface with a controller 104. The controller 104 is similarin operation to controller 13. When a person approaches the vehicle 90,the vehicle's proximity sensor(s) 44 will sense when the personapproaching places their hand on or close to the capacitive sensor. Thesensors 44 may be mounted on handles or other locations on the vehicle90. The base control module 12 will turn on the 3D LF initiator 96 andwait for an authorized fob to respond. The 3D LF receiver 106 of the fob98 is energized by the 3D LF initiator 96 of the vehicle 90. The fob 98will present the vehicle 90 with authorization information via the UHFtransmitter 100. The vehicle 90 receives the fob 98 authorizationinformation via the UHF receiver 92. The vehicle 90 authorizes the fob98 and allows entry into the vehicle. The vehicle 90 localizes the fob98 inside the car and enables passive keyless pushbutton start, orremote start.

A key aspect of passive entry system (PES) is proximity sensing. A PESneeds to unlock the door locks as the user operates the exterior doorhandle. Proximity sensing can be achieved by variety of means such as,capacitive sensors located in and around door handles or the vehiclebody and/or an infrared sensor below or around the door handle. Oneexample of such a capacitive sensing handle assembly is described inApplicant's co-pending application filed on Mar. 6, 2017 (Ser. No.15/450,997) and entitled Power Locking Door Handle with CapacitiveSensing, which is incorporated herein by reference.

LF Antennae placement determines the area around which passive entry issensed. The simplest scenario is to place antennae around the door. IfPES needs to be enabled across the entire vehicle, then the LF antennaeneeds to be placed around the entire vehicle. Similarly, antennaeplacement inside the vehicle determines how the fob will be localized toallow passive keyless pushbutton start. It is common to require multipleantennae inside the vehicle to provide appropriate coverage.

Security is an important aspect for PES systems. Authentication modelbetween the fob and the vehicle can be unidirectional, as shown in FIG.8, or bi-directional, as shown in FIG. 7A-B. In a unidirectional model,the vehicle 90 authenticates the fob 98. The fob 98 has a RFTransmitter, and the vehicle has a RF receiver. In bi-directional model,the vehicle and the fob authenticate each other using a proprietaryhandshake. This requires both the fob and controller to have atransceiver, increasing the overall costs as well as currentconsumption.

A passive entry/passive keyless pushbutton start (PEPS) system blockdiagram 96 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The system utilizes an integratedmicrocontroller 110, an RF transmitter/antenna 112, and a 3D lowfrequency receiver antennae array 113 comprised of a Z-coil 114, aY-coil 116, and a X-coil 118. The RF transmitter 112 is a fullyintegrated fractional-N PLL, VCO and loop filter covering 315 MHz and433 MHz (software programmable) and supports ASK and FSK modulation withdata rate up to 40 Kbit/s (Manchester). The PEPS system 109 furtherutilizes a contactless transponder with open source immobilizer stackwhich will support unidirectional authentication.

FIG. 10A-B is a block diagram illustrating PKE foblocalization/immobilizer function. The vehicle 90 uses a trigger to turnon the initiator. The trigger could be capacitive sensing module(s) onthe door handles, trunk, hood, etc. An infrared sensor may be integratedinto or on the door handle. Further, the vehicle 90 transmitter unit 91generates a low frequency signal which LF antennae 22 broadcasts andthus energizes the key fob 98. The key fob 98 authenticates the triggermessage and responds via the RF-UHF 102 uplink to the vehicle 90. Inone-way models, LF link is used to wake up as well as send messages tothe fob. In two-way models, LF is used only for wakeup of the fob, andthe RF link is used for all other communications.

Passive entry requires sensing of a key fob. Passive keyless pushbuttonstart requires localization of the key fob. To implement passive keylesspushbutton start, the location of the key fob 98 needs to be determined.The fob 98 must be located inside the vehicle 90 to allow passivekeyless pushbutton start. The fob 98 can be localized by determiningwhich LF antennae the fob responds to a ping from within the vehicle 90.The LF antennae 22 needs to be placed at possible places where the keyfob can be placed, such as the dashboard, within cup holders, seats.etc. Radio strengths across 3-axis low frequency AFE 120 are measured totriangulate the fob 98 location. The immobilizer function is typicallyimplemented with a different transponder. The immobilizer functionfurther authenticates the key fob and exchanges keys with standard orproprietary encryption to determine whether to allow electronic controlunit (ECU) to start the vehicle.

FIG. 11 illustrates details of a PCB 124 for the base control module 12.The pluggable port 28A is utilized for the key fob 98 functions. The LFinitiator module 84 handles LF and RF wireless communications, such as a125 KHz frequency band for LF frequencies, and a 433 MHz frequency bandfor the RF. An alternative embodiment of the base control module 12utilizes additional pluggable ports 28B-D which expand functions forBluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC communications, thus allowing 2-waycommunications. Further possible configurations 86 can utilize twomodule ports, such as 28A-B or 28C-D, by adding an additional “daughter”board allowing for greater functionality and security. This providesadditional inputs and outputs as well as additional features such asBluetooth and Wi-Fi. With the mother/daughter board configuration, themother board will maintain control when it comes to fob detection.

A further embodiment implements a multi-zone controller system whichutilizes at least two controllers in a zone 1 and a zone 2configuration. All controllers will be communicating on the same systemCAN bus and will act independently from each other in most instances.Primary features of the system are: (1) Fob detection with sufficientresolution to be able to distinguish between inside a vehicle personnelcompartment and external to the driver/passenger entrance door; (2) Allcontrollers will perform independent scans, (Zone 1, Zone 2) asprogramming requires to determine if an authorized fob is located, andin which specific area of a given zone and based on that detection pointwill determine what door locking/unlocking access is available; (3) Anauto-locking feature could engage and secure all doors of the vehicle ifa fob fails to respond to polling, either because the fob is notauthorized or fob is not within range. The system could then auto-lockall doors.

The invention has been shown and described above with the preferredembodiments, and it is understood that many modifications,substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intendedspirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seenthat the present invention accomplishes at least all of its statedobjectives.

What is claimed is:
 1. A base control module for vehicles comprising: a. a controller including i. a housing; ii. a programmable processor; iii. on-board memory; and iv. a plurality of inputs and outputs; b. further comprising; i. a set of pluggable module interfaces each comprising a standardized connector for any of a plurality of interchangeable pluggable modules, each pluggable module having a different functionality, each connector having a plurality of pins; ii. a standardized communication protocol between the base controller and any of the pluggable modules; iii. adaptable software that can assign different configurations for the pins of the connector dependent upon the functionality of the pluggable module for those pins; c. so that the same controller and set of pluggable module interfaces can be used for different pluggable modules.
 2. The base control module of claim 1 wherein the vehicle comprises one of: a. on-road vehicle; or b. off-road vehicle.
 3. The base control module of claim 1 further comprising an intelligent controller that implements: i. a controller logic; and ii. basic I/O interfaces.
 4. The base control module of claim 3 wherein the basic I/O interfaces comprise one or more of: a. Keypad interfaces to support legacy keypads; and b. A pluggable proximity interface for proximity sensing.
 5. The base control module of claim 3 further comprising one or more of: a. an LF antenna management component; and b. a PKE/immobilizer transponder.
 6. The base control module of claim 1 wherein the pluggable module interface comprises: a. I/O lines that function with SPI or UART protocol; b. All pins are made common; c. Interface protocol is made common.
 7. The base control module of claim 1 wherein the pluggable module comprises: a. Board to board connectors b. Connectors rated for multiple insertions and removals.
 8. The base control module of claim 7 wherein the board to board connectors comprise: a. MX34R; or b. Similar.
 9. The base control module of claim 1 in combination with one or more pluggable modules.
 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the pluggable modules are selected from: a. PKE; b. RKE; c. NFC d. Bluetooth, e. Fob management; and f. GSM/GPS.
 11. A system for highly adaptable functionality with a base control module operatively installed in a vehicle comprising: a. a controller having: i. a programmable intelligent controller and controller logic; ii. a plurality of basic I/O interfaces; and iii. at least one pluggable module interface comprising:
 1. a standardized connector with a plurality of pins: b. at least one pluggable module having a functionality and comprising: i. board-to-board connectors rated for multiple insertions and removals; c. a standardized communication protocol between the base control module and any said pluggable module.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein the vehicle comprises one of: a. on-road vehicle; or b. off-road vehicle.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein the functionality of the pluggable module comprises one of: a. PKE; b. RKE; c. NFC d. Bluetooth, e. Fob management; and f. GSM/GPS.
 14. The system of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of pluggable module interfaces on the base control module.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein each of the plurality of pluggable module interfaces is adaptable by programming to interface with a variety of pluggable modules.
 16. A method of operating an on-road or off-road vehicle comprising: a. operatively installing a base controller in the vehicle; b. adding a plurality of pluggable module interfaces to the base controller, each pluggable module interface adaptable to: i. receive an interchangeable pluggable module having one or a variety of functionalities.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the pluggable module interfaces having a plurality of pins in a connector, and the pins comprise: a. I/O lines that function with SPI or UART protocol; b. All pins are made common; c. Interface protocol is made common.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the I/O lines function with SPI or UART protocol.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the pluggable modules comprise: a. Board-to-board connectors.
 20. The method of claim 16 wherein the pluggable modules support: a. PKE; b. RKE; c. NFC d. Bluetooth, e. Fob management; and f. GSM/GPS.
 21. The method of claim 16 wherein the use of two or more base controllers provide multiple zones with sufficient resolution to determine if an authorized fob is located, and in which specific area of a given zone and based on that detection point will determine what door locking/unlocking access is available.
 22. The method of claim 16 further comprising expanding the controller functionality with the addition of a daughterboard, and providing electronic control over zones around the vehicle.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the zones comprise an operator door zone and a cargo/baggage door zone. 